Before I got my mission call, my mom and I decided to make a little prize for whoever guessed the closest to where I am going. So we took a trip to the good ole dollar store and got some treats. And I remembered a "random act of kindness" idea I saw on Pinterest about giving your mail carrier a gift. So we got a bottle of Propel, some nail polish and I wrote a note after I opened my mission call. I told her thank you for bringing the most important letter EVER and told her where I was going. I thought she really must deserve it, because let's be honest here, who ever thanks their mail person? Yeah.. If you do, you're pretty dang awesome! So last week, I went to get the mail and there was an envelope to me that didn't have the normal postal type things on it. In it was a card that had the loveliest note to me in it. AND.... a $100 bill. This generous, Christ -like woman does not know me. We've never met face to face. But she told me that she could not think of a better way to spend the money than on my mission. Miracle!
That same week I got a check in the mail from a couple in my ward with a note that said "hope this helps you get your temple clothes. We're proud of you!" Miracle!
I'm not saying that miracles only come in that form, because there are so many more, but this was a huge tender mercy to my family. We have had a rough time financially the past 3 years, and it causes tension and things that no one likes to do. So this came as a huge blessing and proof that Heavenly Father is so aware of us.
The next miracle happened as I entered the House of the Lord. :) The most beautiful experience of my life. I have so much to learn, but that is okay. Some quick things about my day---
1. I loved the sense of eternity
2. The Spirit is so strong
3. I think the Initiatory was my favorite experience of the day :)
4. There were angels all around me, both living and those who have passed already. And it was wonderful to feel them there.
5. I loved the beauty in the temple! Seriously. Everything is gorgeous!
6. My beautiful mom, sister, and grandma were sitting next to me. Plus all the others who were there to congratulate and support me. It was so amazing!
7. I hope to understand more each time I go!
Some tips if anyone who has yet to go ever reads this... :)
1. Prepare as much as possible. Read the scriptures. It's all in there. Study talks. Try to understand the symbols in the scriptures. Do what you can to be spiritually ready. The most devastating thing in life is to watch someone break covenants they have made because they didn't understand any of them.
2. Measure yourself before you buy your garments... It might sound weird, but I wish I would have. It's pretty awkward to have things falling down or rolling up during such a reverent time. Not to mention distracting!
3. Do what you can to stay in the front seats of the session. If it is super full like mine, and you have to move rooms, you slowly get pushed back.
4. Don't worry. There are so many people helping you. :) It's so wonderful!
5. Get enough sleep before. Don't start snoring in the middle of the session.. :)
6. Don't fast. Being hungry in that situation would be super distracting.
7. Most of all. Focus on the Spirit. and ask yourself "what do Heavenly Father and the Savior want me to learn from this experience?" That's what helped me to not be too overwhelmed. :)
So, the temple is the one of the biggest miracles we could ever have! :) The Atonement is what makes all of this possible. That's the amazing part. Everything can be made right because of Him. That is the real miracle! :) #BecauseofHim
The day after going to the temple I got to listen to General Conference. You could say my weekend was jam-packed with spiritual experiences.. :) Cause it was! It's always good sitting down to listen to inspiring words of encouragement. And to think... the next time I listen to them I will be in the mission field!!! I can't wait! Then I'll be one of those full-time missionaries they talk about! Doesn't get better than that ;)
I think that pretty much catches up on my life! I can't wait for Oregon! :) Til next week!
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| My beautiful sister Ashley |
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| My lovely as ever Grandma Stucki |
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| My beyond amazing mother :) The colors weren't even planned :) but dang, we did fantastic at it! |
